Bellwork: Review: What is unification? Name one of the leaders of Italian Unification and briefly explain his role. 3. Respond to the following quote: “Not through speeches and majority decision will the great questions of the day be decided but by iron and blood.” a. What do you think the quote means? b. What is “iron and blood”? Would you be willing to die for the sake of your country? Willing to kill? Would you sit back? Or would you strike first? Blood = soldiers, Iron =swords

Unification of Germany

Today’s Agenda Standard: W.13 Summarize the causes, course, and consequences of unification in Germany including the role of Otto von Bismarck Objective: I can explain the events that led to the unification of Germany and the actions of Otto von Bismarck, including “blood and iron” and realpolitik. Bellwork Notes Webquest Map Activity

Three Elements of German Unification The State: The most important of the German states was Prussia. The Man: Otto von Bismarck His goal was to unify all of the German states into one super-power. The Method: War Danish War 1864 Austro-Prussian War 1866 Franco-Prussian War 1871 http://www.zum.de/whkmla/region/germany/bismarck.html (info)

Factors Against Unification Large number of states, 39 German Confederation of 39 states created by the Congress of Vienna in 1815 The Confederation was working just fine Religion: South – Catholic North - Protestant

Factors Against Unification (cont.) D. Outside Influences: Other countries didn’t want Germany to become a nation. This would disturb the Balance of Power in Europe France was especially worried about Germany becoming a nation because she would be a strong rival right next door. E. Austrian and Prussian Rivalry

Austria/Prussia Rivalry Austrian Empire Prussia Multinational Empire Major power in Europe Dealing with issues in Italy Wars with France, Italy, and Prussia Primarily German population Powerful army Authoritarian government – strong king Industrialized quickly

Factors for Unification Race: A consciousness of belonging together A common language, culture, written language National Music and Literature Bach, and Beethoven Feelings of Nationalism

Factors For Unification (cont.) D. The Zollverien – customs union that removed tariffs on products traded between German states Promoted trade and a strong economy E. Napoleonic Code of Laws – gave all 39 states a common set of laws

The Notorious O.V.B. (Otto von Bismarck) What can you guess about his personality and his leadership by looking at this picture? Military, strong leader, etc. Serious Strong Angry Powerful Leader Soldier A Boss Brave A Liberator Military Man Rich Confident Hard-Working

The Notorious O.V.B. (Otto von Bismarck) The Prime Minister of Prussia in the late 1800’s. Practiced “realpolitik” “Politics of reality” Belief in practical goals instead of theory or idealism Not concerned about morals or ethics Doing whatever you think is necessary to achieve your goals Believed Prussia destined to lead German people to unification Method to gain unification: “Blood and Iron”

“Blood and Iron” “The great questions of our time will not be solved with speeches and majority votes but with iron and blood.” What do you think this means? What does this tell us about Bismarck’s philosophy? What did he think about of the democratic process of speeches and votes? We are past voting, we need to take action.

“Blood and Iron” Meaning Blood = Soldiers, Iron = Swords We are not going to talk. We are going to fight for what we want. Speeches are not important. Action is important. Fight!!! War!!! Is war necessary to unify a nation? Explain.

“Blood and Iron” Bismarck builds up the Prussian army Bismarck led Prussia into three wars Danish War, 1864 Austro-Prussian War, 1866 Franco-Prussian War, 1871 Each war increased Prussia’s power and paved the way for German unity

Words of Wisdom from Otto von Bismarck “Laws are like sausages. It is better not to see them being made.” “People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war, or before an election.” “When you want to fool the world, tell the truth.” “The main thing is to make history, not to write it.” What can you determine about his personality from these quotes? What kind of leader do you think he was? Do you think has a good understanding of politics?

Words of Wisdom (cont.) “Only a fool learns from his own mistakes. The wise man learns from the mistakes of others.” “Politics is not an exact science.” Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied. Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a soldier dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war.”

Otto von Bismarck Rap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gGBtGCdq9M

German Unification The peace treaty following the Franco-Prussian War established a new unified German empire. Wilhelm I declared Kaiser (Emperor) Bismarck appointed to First Chancellor (Chief Minister) New World Power is Born! Germany had replaced France as the dominant power in Europe In the aftermath of unification Germany emerged as the industrial giant of the European continent. Germany had an ample supply of iron and coal; a disciplined and educated workforce, all were key factors in industrialization. German society prided itself on its sense of responsibility and deference to authority. A rapidly growing population provide a large home market and a supply of industrial workers.

Unified Germany, 1871

German Unification in Three Minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0oHWGXpzE8

Webquest and Map Activity: Go to the following website: http://www.saburchill.com/history/chapters/empires/0043.html (Google: “Open Door Web Site Unification”) Read the information on the website and answer the questions on the handout Complete map activity on back of handout Due at the end of class!

Exit Ticket/ Tweet it Out In 140 characters or less, compose a “tweet” that sums up German Unification and the role of Otto von Bismarck. Don’t forget to add a hashtag.